NATIONAL ANTHEM..............GERMANY

Anthem History
The "Deutschlandlied", the German national anthem, dates back to the liberal national movement of the 19th century. The words stem from the pen of August Heinrich Hoffmann
The "Deutschlandlied" was initially unable to compete successfully against other songs. After 1871 the Prussian royal anthem "Heil dir im Siegerkranz" ("Hail to Thee in Victor's Laurels"), which had been designated the imperial anthem, was sung wherever Emperor William I appeared. Not until around the turn of the century did Hoffman's song become popular.

In 1922, in a speech marking the third anniversary of the Weimar constitution, Reich President Friedrich Ebert publicly proclaimed the "Deutschlandlied", although the term "national anthem" was not yet used on that day. In his speech, Friedrich Ebert stated: "Unity and right and freedom - in times of internal fragmentation and oppression, this triad from the poet's song voiced the longing of all Germans; may it now accompany us on our arduous path to a better future."

After the end of World War II, the newly founded Federal Republic of Germany had difficulty reaching a decision on a national anthem. In contrast to the federal flag, no provision was made for an anthem in the Basic Law. Not until 1952 was an arrangement reached. In a letter dated 29 April 1952, Federal Chancellor Dr. Konrad Adenauer asked the Federal President, Prof. Dr. Theodor Heuss, to "designate the song by Hoffmann and Haydn the national anthem. At state functions the third verse should be sung." President Heuss gave his consent in a response dated 2 May 1952, after his prior attempt to initiate a new anthem had proved unsuccessful.

After the reunification of Germany, in an exchange of letters in August 1991, Federal President Dr. Richard von Weizsäcker and Federal Chancellor Dr. Helmut Kohl designated the third verse of the "Deutschlandlied" the national anthem.



Anthem Lyrics



The "Deutschlandlied"
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
Für das Deutsche Vaterland.
Danach laßt uns alle streben,
Brüderlich mit Herz und Hand.
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
Sind des Glückes Unterpfand.
Blüh' im Glanze dieses Glückes,
Blühe deutsches Vaterland.



English Translation


Unity and Rights and Freedom
For the German Fatherland
Let us all strive for that
Brotherly with heart and hand

Unity and Rights and Freedom
Are the foundation for happiness
Bloom in the glow of happiness
Bloom German Fatherland